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After a farm for widows and orphans is devastated by fire in 1884, Christina Willems is determined to reopen it despite opposition. When she finds an unlikely ally in an aloof lumber mill owner, will he help her realize her calling---or will he retreat to the safety of a solitary life again?

Publisher's Description

A woman meant to serve, a child in the dark, a man standing apartcan these three souls embrace a God with new plans for them?

On a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out in the kitchen leaving the house uninhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear "family."

With no other options, Christina is forced to approach Levi Jonnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees with reluctance but finds himself surprised by the bond that quickly grows between him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up against Christina, she begins to question her leadership ability and wonders if she can fulfill the mission to which she's dedicated her life. And when an old adversary challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely allyor morein the aloof Levi? Can Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his hermit-like existence and open his heart and life to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God?

Author Bio

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are currently in print with awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their feline companions. She savors time with her daughters and grandchildren.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for What Once Was Lost

"Kim Vogel Sawyer weaves love, coming of age, and prevailing against the odds into a heartwarming and gripping tale. What Once Was Lost will have you invested in the lives of each of these wonderful characters as they struggle to deal with the scars from their pasts."Cindy Woodsmall, New York Times best-selling author of The Winnowing Season

"Known for her gentle stories of hope, Kim Sawyer drew me in at once with her colorful cast of characters and authentic historical voice. Just as the fingers of the young blind boy, Tommy, deftly weave reeds into chair seats, so Kim Sawyerweaves words into a story filled with compassion, intrigue, and romance. The twists will keep readers turning the pages, but the resolution of What Once Was Lost will leave them cheering. Heartfelt and satisfying to the very last page!"Carla Stewart, award-winning author of Chasing Lilacs and Stardust

Praise for Kim Vogel Sawyer

"Award-winning author Sawyer continues to craft engaging historical lovestories brimming with characters who are bold in their faith."Booklist

"Sawyer treats readers to love stories that speak to the heart."Romantic Times

"Winsome characters, an interesting premise, and a heavenly match made onearth…fans of inspirational romance novels will not be disappointed."Historical Novel Review

"Yet another entertaining novel that compels one page to turn as quickly as theone before."CBA Retailers + Resources

Christina Willems runs the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor on a small Kansas farm. Brambleville has become the home for the poor and displaced men, women and children she lovingly cares for. They are her "family". One night she is awakened smelling smoke and quickly finds a fire in the kitchen. Not sure how the fire started her first concern is to get her family out to safety. Since it is not safe to live there until the kitchen has been repaired, Christina must find temporary lodgings for each of them. After finding shelter for all but one little boy, young blind Tommy Kilgore, Christina seeks someone to take him in. Her only choice is to ask Levi Johnson, who is the reclusive mill owner and would rather be alone and left alone. She puts Tommy in the wagon and goes to Levi's home. Leaving Tommy in the wagon, she finds Levi and asks him to take in Tommy. Levi is resistant to the idea but finally reluctantly agrees, provided it is temporary.

Levi is not sure what to do with Tommy while he is at the mill, even though the mill is close to his home. Tommy is blind and it appears that he has been coddled and has had everything done for him. As the days go by, Levi's heart opens a bit and develops a bond to the boy. Levi and Tommy both have been hurt in the past, the reason Levi left society to be alone. His heart had been hurt too many times and he even has turned his back on God.

Christina begins to despair and her faith challenged when the repairs on the farm seem to go wrong. One thing after another turns up and it looks like it may never be repaired. Finally the kitchen begins to be repaired but someone destroys all the work. Who would do such a thing? It appears revenge is behind the destruction of all the work. As things go from bad to worse she turns to Levi to help her. Just as his heart had opened up to Tommy, he is loosing his heart to Christina. Can his heart be healed? Can he surrender his heart to God again and allow Him to guide him? Will the repairs on the farm ever be completed or will she have to sell it? What will happen to her family?

In What Once Was Lost, is a story about hardships, past hurts and letting go of that past, endurance, danger, revenge, as well as changing of hearts, restoration, romance and love and spiritual renewal. I enjoyed this book very much. My heart was captured by Tommy and his plight.

This book was such a beautiful story of faith, friendship, and forgiveness. Christina Williams is a woman who is in charge of running a poor house. She is a kind leader who shows such love and devotion to the people in her care. When there is a fire that leaves them homeless, she tirelessly finds everyone a temporary home. While worries seem to overwhelm, she contacts the mission board in hopes they will provide funds to rebuild the home. The board adds to her worries when their decisions are not what she has in mind.

Ms. Williams prays throughout the book while facing difficult people and unfair situations. She grows more and more into a loving Christian though all the hardships. The author Kim Vogel Sawyer did a wonderful job with developing Christina's disposition through trials and using all of the other characters in the book.

What Once Was Lost will uplift you. I believe it is possible for fiction to bring you closer to God and rethink how you treat other. This is a five star book.

Christina has a mission to help the down and out the misplaced and homeless including orphaned children. Just when things seem to be going well on the Poor Farm the house catches fire leaving even Christina homeless. She finds places for everyone to stay until the house can be repaired except for Tommy a blind child. She convinces the mill owner and recluse Levi Johnson to temporarily take in Tommy until she can make other arrangements. There did not seem to be anyone sympathetic to this young boys needs. Levi tried not to bond with the boy but his heart continued to soften for the lad even though Levi did not want to open his heart to anyone.

Christina leans on Levi more and more while trying to get the house repaired. This was not setting well with Levi. He is suspicious of how the fire was started that damaged the Poor Farm. Will they ever be able to return to the farm or will they be homeless again? Where will they go from here?

I found this to be a heartwarming tale that I did not want to put down. I had never heard of a Poor Farm and found ite b a wonderful concept. Growing their own food and raising farm animals. Homeless adults caring for orphaned children. This farm was almost totally self sufficient. God had a plan one that was not expected. When we lead it makes it hard when God wants us to follow his path. The author has a tender heart and a great vision that she is able to bring forth in her writings.

I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure: I receiving a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books/WATERBROOK PRESS for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.

What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a touching novel. It reminds us that sometimes we think we're doing a good thing for the right reason, but it's not always true. The characters were well-written, allowing me to identify with their struggles and, in the end, their triumphs. I enjoyed this novel a great deal.

***I received this novel from the author/publisher for purpose of review. The above is my honest opinion.***

This was an excellent book, one that I cannot rave sufficiently over or recommend highly enough. If I could give it 10 stars, I certainly would! It stood out from all the books I've read recently. The characters were so beautifully developed - we knew their hearts, felt their dilemmas, and shared their victories. They were vulnerable to the restorative work of the Holy spirit, willing to repent, relinquish and return to Him. The plot was full of surprises, suspense and subtle romance. There was so much in it - so many wonderful people, so many deep lessons, so many issues covered. Please do yourself a favor - read it! Congratulations to Kim Vogel Sawyer on one of the very best books ever.